Bicycling along the Roosevelt-Marcy Byway

Follow the route of Teddy Roosevelt’s wild ride from Mount Marcy to the North Creek Depot, where he learned that he was to become the 26th President of the United States. This 40-mile jaunt runs from North Creek to Long Lake. Newcomb is at its midpoint with its spectacular view of the High Peaks at Overlook Park. Newcomb also is where you can bike over the headwater stream of the Hudson River, learn about the Adirondacks at the Adirondack Park Interpretive Center, and bike out to historic Camp Santanoni. There is a NYSDEC campground at Lake Harris.

Roosevelt-Marcy Byway

Road Bike Opportunities

Family Ride – Ride out of North Creek along the Hudson River on Route 28 the 5 miles to North River, a flat ride with four pullouts along the way for a rest break, a close-up view of the Hudson River, and to read the informative panels posted there. Turn around at North River after a stop at the general store. There are wide shoulders but the traffic can be heavy at times.

Training Ride – Adirondack Lakes Cycling Loop, or Teddy’s Loop for Teddy Roosevelt, is an 80-mile loop from North Creek through Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake and Newcomb. Follows a varying terrain, often relatively flat but a few good climbs as it skirts south of the High Peaks. All on main highways and on wide shoulders, mostly. see also 25 Adirondack Bike Tours book

Mountain Bike Opportunities

A couple of nice rides are listed below. Be sure to check in with local bike shops and Chambers of commerce to check on these and other suggestions.

nice ride on the Roosevelt-Marcy

Camp Santanoni Bike Ride, Newcomb – A 5-mile ride (10 miles round-trip) to an historic great camp in a wilderness setting. The ride is very pleasant and family-friendly as it winds through the woods along a rolling, narrow, hard-packed dirt road to Newcomb Lake. The only hill is near the end, just before reaching the camp. Watch for the occasional horse-drawn wagon, another option sometimes available for a visit to rustic Camp Santanoni. The camp, abandoned for many years but now stabilized and slowly being restored, is open to the public for educational, recreational and inspirational purposes. Pack a lunch since there are no facilities or services.

Garnet Hill Mountain Bike Center & Lodge, near North River – The system of cross-country ski trails, old roads, and single-track trails offers a great variety of mountain biking.also check BikeAdirondacks.org for a few more rides in this area

Not to Miss

North Creek Depot Museum, North Creek – With rail service to North Creek completed in 1871 and the present station built in 1872, the North Creek Depot welcomed the industrialists of the Gilded Age, sent Theodore Roosevelt on his way to Buffalo to be sworn in as President of the United States of America, dispatched shipments of garnet and titanium, and welcomed skiers to Gore Mountain. The North Creek Depot Museum tells the history and heritage of the central Adirondack Mountains.

Hudson River crossing – North Creek

Take a ride on the Upper Hudson River Railroad, North Creek – Scenic train rides along side the Hudson River. Enjoy the breathtaking Adirondack views as this scenic train winds along the upper reaches of the picturesque Hudson River. The UHRR operates seasonal excursions and special events out of the historic North Creek Depot and Museum.

Adirondack Park Interpretive Center, Newcomb – operated by the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry (SUNY-ESF) and providing information about the Adirondack Park, along with a trail system, interpretive displays, guidebooks and friendly information.

View the Hudson River in Newcomb as just a small stream, as it passes under the Route 28N bridge – toss in a stick and ride the Byway to North Creek and watch it float by.

Picnic lunch at Overlook Park, on the east side of Newcomb, and enjoy the spectacular view of the High Peaks from the south, aided by a display of the 25+ peaks in the view. The park also offers picnic tables and restrooms.

Read the interpretive panels along the Hudson River between North Creek and North River.

Bike Events in the Area

Black Fly Challenge – Inlet to Indian Lake, 2nd Saturday in June. This race or ride changes direction every year with the start and finish alternating between Indian Lake and Inlet. Over half of the 40-mile course traverses the Moose River Plains Recreation Area on dirt roads.
also see the complete list of bike events in the region

Check in with Chamber offices, bike shops and other sports shops in the area to get the latest information and review your route with someone knowledgeable of the area. When biking, dress for the weather and carry water, snacks, map, repair kit and cell phone. When biking in rural areas, services could be few and far between, and cell phone service may not always be available. See the Before You Ride notices in the bottom section of this website, as well as the Disclaimer notice.

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Other Bike Information

This is a New York State Scenic Byways Program project managed by the Adirondack North Country Association, funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.